Last month we answered why we believe baptism is necessary. Biblically "baptism is followed by the ceremony of the laying on of hands by one or more of God's faithful elders for the purpose of receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14-17).

"The laying on of hands is described in the Scriptures as part of the foundation of a believer's beliefs and actions (Hebrews 6:1-2). This ceremony, like baptism, represents an important step in the conversion process. Why? Because most examples in the New Testament show that it is through the laying on of hands of Christ's ministry that God imparts His Spirit to new converts.

"Like baptism, the practice of laying on of hands has its historical roots in the Old Testament. In ancient times this practice, often accompanied by anointing with oil, was used to set men apart to serve God in the offices of king or priest. It was also sometimes invoked in setting apart sacrifices or other things for holy use. Similarly, laying on of hands after baptism signifies that the newly baptized person has now been set apart for God.

"Since the days of the apostles the laying on of hands after baptism has signified the actual moment of the receiving of the Holy Spirit and the setting apart of a convert as a child of God. It is only through the gift of God's Spirit that we can develop the godly attitude of obedience and faith. The practice of laying on of hands for the receiving of God's Spirit is mentioned in Acts 8:17, 19:6 and 2 Timothy 1:6." (Transforming Your Life: The Process of Conversion, pages 40-41).

Laying on of hands is also part of anointing the sick (Mark 6:5; Acts 28:8; James 5:14), ordination (Acts 6:6; 1 Timothy 5:22) and blessing little children (Matthew 19:13).

For More Information, read or request our free booklets Transforming Your Life: The Process of Conversion and The Road to Eternal Life (www.ucg.org/booklets).

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